Folliculitis

Folliculitis refers to the swelling or inflammation of one or more hair follicles that occurs on any part of the skin. It begins where there is damage to the hair follicles through friction from shaving, clothing or blockage of the follicle. Generally, the damaged follicles are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Common symptoms of folliculitis include a rash, itching, pimples and pustules close to a hair follicle in the neck or genital area. Diagnosis of the condition would depend upon the appearance of the skin. Laboratory tests reveal the type of bacteria or fungus that has caused the infection. Antibiotics or antifungal medications are the ideal treatment to folliculitis.